Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban students from using cell phones in schools.
Senate Bill 2427 passed both houses on May 31 before lawmakers adjourned.
The legislation requires all Illinois public and charter schools to adopt policies restricting student use of cell phones, tablets and other devices during class time.
There are exceptions where students can still use their phone during class, however, including when a teacher or instructor has authorized the student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes and in an emergency or in response to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual.
The bill now heads to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s desk. Pritzker advocated for banning cellphones in schools during his February State of the State budget address.
Pritzker released the following statement on May 31 after the bill passed:
“Every parent and educator knows the damage that unchecked screen time and social media can do to our children and how disruptive they can be in school. The bipartisan support for this effort reflects the urgency educators and families across Illinois feel. I’m grateful to Representative Michelle Mussman and Senator Cristina Castro for their leadership on this bill. I am pleased that the Illinois General Assembly finished the job and look forward to signing these vital protections for our kids into law.”
Once signed by the governor, the Illinois State Board of Education will publish a template wireless communication device policy by Sept. 1, 2026, providing guidance for local school districts when implementing their own policies.
Andy Carrigan is the interim editor of The State Journal-Register.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois lawmakers approve cell phone ban in schools
Reporting by Andy Carrigan, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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